N.Y. RV Park in Opposition to ‘Zip Line’ Project

March 24, 2014 by RVBusinessComments Off on N.Y. RV Park in Opposition to ‘Zip Line’ Project

Plans for one of North America’s longest zip line attractions in upstate New York have hit a snag that threaten to keep the project from becoming reality, The Saratogian reported.

Wild West Ranch owner Ralph Macchio Sr. — father of “Karate Kid” actor Ralph Macchio Jr. — has already obtained Adirondack Park Agency and Town of Lake George approval for a proposed Bear Pond Zip-Flyer that would run 3,450 feet from just below the top of French Mountain, in Queensbury, to a base landing site in Lake George, a ride that should reach 55 mph.

But attorneys for a neighboring business, Lake George RV Park, argue that a zip line isn’t a permitted use in this part of Queensbury and that it would detract from French Mountain’s natural setting.

“It looks like it will be May before Queensbury looks at it,” Macchio said.

Queensbury’s planning board was supposed to vote on the project this week, but postponed such action pending a review by the town zoning board. The RV park appealed a town of Queensbury zoning officer’s determination that zip lines are permissible.

“The planning board should table the application until the ZBA (zoning board of appeals) decides the pending appeal,” said attorney Claudia K. Braymer, of Glens Falls-based Caffry & Flower, in a letter to the board.

She said the zip line has been classified as a “tourist attraction,” which she said isn’t allowed in this location. It would negatively impact the neighboring RV park property because park guests like to hike French Mountain’s picturesque, quiet surroundings that a zip line would disturb, she said.